Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Hotel Review
Updated: July 2021
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is one of my favourite hotels to stay at whilst visiting Whistler, Canada. It's perfect location, slope side on Blackcomb Mountain (Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort) is so convenient for both Summer and Winter activities.
The service you receive at the Fairmont Whistler is also impeccable and very unassuming, everyone is so friendly. It feels like a relaxing lodge from the moment you walk in. Even the scent they use inside smells of the woods and sets the mood for your getaway.
When you arrive to the Whistler Fairmont by car, the valet staff at the front door greet you and help with your bags and deliver them to your room for you. In the winter they take your skis to the storage area for you as well. They offer both self park and valet services for your vehicle.
Hotel Rooms:
The hotel rooms at the Fairmont Whistler are really well appointed and were updated (bathrooms were fully renovated) a couple years ago, however they still have the traditional decor that they are famous for. The Fairmont Gold Rooms and Suites have just been completely renovated and look amazing, more on that soon. Every room features either a very comfortable king size bed or two queens (depending on room booked), Le Labo bath amenities, mini bar (extra charges), coffee and tea making station (Keurig coffee machine (some rooms on the "Gold" floor have Nespresso machines and a hot water kettle), fluffy robes and slippers, in room safe, umbrellas (for use during your stay) and informational magazines on Whistler. I would definitely recommend the rooms that face the mountain (and overlook the pool) as it's a gorgeous view, well worth the upgrade. This hotel also has a smoke-free policy.
King Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
2 Queen Bed Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont One Bedroom Valley View Suite
If you're looking for a bit more room for a family or just for a romantic getaway, I highly suggest booking one of the One Bedroom Valley View Suites. It features two bathrooms, a living room with dining area and fireplace, the bedroom has either two queen beds or one king. The bathroom off the bedroom features a double sink, a jacuzzi bathtub and a separate large shower with rainfall showerhead.
Fairmont One Bedroom Valley View Suite
Fairmont One Bedroom Valley View Suite
Fairmont One Bedroom Valley View Suite
Fairmont One Bedroom Valley View Suite
The bath amenities as I mentioned are Le Labo, the Fairmont Hotels here in Canada use the Rose 31 formulation which smells heavenly.
With Covid-19, there was also a "stay healthy kit" provided on the desk with antibacterial wipes, face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Also due to the pandemic, the tea and coffee was in a "kit" and is packed up for each guest.
Fairmont Gold Experience:
If you ever get the chance to experience one of their Fairmont Gold rooms, the added amenities you receive are awesome. These newly renovated rooms and suites are amazing. I've had the pleasure of experiencing it quite a few times myself and you can upgrade upon check in if they have availability. The rooms are larger, bright and feature fireplaces. Gold rooms also have "essential oil capsules" for your shower. When you stay in a Fairmont Gold room or suite, you have access to the newly redesigned Fairmont Gold Lounge. It offers a concierge service that is dedicated to the Fairmont Gold guests, an included breakfast (similar to what they serve in The Wildflower downstairs), included appetizers in the afternoon, honour bar, dessert service in the evening and coffee and tea available throughout the day (the coffee/espresso machine is so worth it, especially for that afternoon pick-me-up). Please note however these offerings might have changed due recently due to Covid-19, so check with the Fairmont's website for up to date Fairmont Gold Lounge offerings.
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Newly Renovated Fairmont Gold Rooms - Love the new design, light and luxurious
The new, totally resigned Fairmont Gold Lounge
The new, totally resigned Fairmont Gold Lounge
Essential Oil Shower Capsules in the Fairmont Gold Rooms
Views from a Mountain View Room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Dining:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has some amazing dining experiences on-property and near by. Even if I'm not staying at the hotel, I tend to come to either The Mallard Lounge (especially if it's "Fairmont Fridays" in the winter) or Portobello for their gourmet donuts and "carving station".
The Wildflower:
A great option for breakfast in the morning. Typically they offer an amazing traditional brunch (buffet style breakfast with made to order items including an omelet station and carving station), however due to Covid-19 they are currently only offering an a la carte menu at the time of this travel guide being released. My go to breakfast here is usually the Eggs Benedict, it's so delicious! They also have an amazing dinner menu. During my most recent stay, The Wildflower at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler was offering a 3 Course Dinner Menu (starter, main course and dessert) for $49.00.
A La Carte Breakfast at The Wildflower in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Bison Carpaccio to start, part of The Wildflower's $49 - 3 Course Tasting Menu
Chicken Breast for my main course, part of The Wildflower's $49 - 3 Course Tasting Menu
Carrot Cake for dessert, part of The Wildflower's $49 - 3 Course Tasting Menu
The Grill Room:
Located within The Wildflower (at the back of the restaurant in it's own elevated section) this is as it's named, the steakhouse at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Grill Room is only open for dinner and features an amazing menu. They use many locally sourced ingredients and are a participant in the "Ocean wise" program. The Grill Room offers a great, intimate atmosphere perfect for a special dinner for two, or even some fun (think sabring a bottle of Champagne) if you're visiting Whistler with a group of friends. You won't leave disappointed. I've had a few amazing meals here. However, unfortunately due to Covid-19 they have temporarily closed The Grill Room (I'll update this post once it's been reopened).
The Mallard Lounge:
I usually have a "night cap" at the Mallard Lounge in the Fairmont Whistler. It's a relaxed lounge atmosphere but with that touch of class. Hand-crafted cocktails, great food, wood burning fireplaces, comfy chairs, live music on select evenings, what more could you ask for? They also have a heated patio area with the "fire pit tables" which is also a nice touch for cooler evenings. In the winter months they also have their version of "Happy Hour" but they call it "Fairmont Fridays". During Fairmont Fridays they offer free nibbles along with some great drink specials. My favourite drink to order here is an "Empress 1908 Gin and Tonic". Also, the nachos are really good and a massive portion.
Empress 1908 Gin and Tonic
Portobello:
Portobello is a great dine in or grab and go option even if you're not staying at the Fairmont Whistler. They're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have some great offerings including; delicious gourmet donuts (they change everyday and usually sell out before lunch, so get there early for the best selections), carving station (try the mac and cheese, it's so yummy!), full bar with local brews on tap, a cafe (all the espresso drinks you could ever need to fuel your day) then take your meal, treat or beverage outside to relax by a fire pit.
Try the gourmet donuts at Portobello at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Outdoor, relaxed seating at Portobello at Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The Woodlands Rooftop:
Typically this is the Fairmont Chateau Whistler's garden rooftop event space (for weddings, corporate events, yoga retreats and more), during this past Summer in 2020 (due to event cancellations because of Covid-19) they offered an amazing range of safe, socially distanced, pop up restaurant experiences. From a Summer BBQ series to Oktoberfest, be sure to ask the concierge if they are hosting any pop up restaurant events during your stay.
The Clubhouse:
Located at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, The Clubhouse is another great dining option in Whistler, although not attached to the hotel. In the summer months, it is open for lunch and dinner. Dinner during the winter months however, this is transformed into "The Chalet", a fondue dining experience, again something I highly recommend. They also offer a complementary car service to the Golf Club for dining reservations.
Snow Globes at Fairmont Chateau Whistler:
This new experience introduced this past Winter 2021 season looks incredible! Each dome is themed with a partner (this winter's sponsors were Fever-Tree, Stella Artois, Blasted Church Vineyards and Roche Wines). Each dome can accommodate six guests and features a "5 Course Dining Experience".
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Snow Globes at Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Amenities at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler:
The amenities at this world-class resort are amazing. This hotel truly does cater to everyone and any age. From the health club, yoga and included activities such as local guided walks, there's something for everyone. Please note, amenities can change without notice, so it's always good to check the Fairmont Whistler's website for the most up to date information (however I do try to keep this as up to date as possible). Also, check the "daily newsletter" which you can pick up at the concierge desk or you'll have it delivered to your room every morning of your stay for all the activities, dining hours, etc that the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers.
Health Club and Pools:
Probably my favourite pool in Whistler. They've recently upgraded the deck chairs and furniture this summer (2020) and it's got a great vibe. It offers a large indoor/outdoor heated pool, an outdoor dedicated lap/activity pool (they offer AquaFit classes on certain days), three hot tub/whirlpools (one is always reserved as "Adults Only"), in the winter months they also add two barrel style cedar saunas and a fire pit. There is also full bar service available which is so nice year round. Either a glass of Prosecco after a hike in the summer poolside or even a Bailey's and Coffee in the winter, the poolside menu is pretty decent for its offerings. Inside in the Health Club, you'll find an additional whirlpool/hot tub, a fixed sauna year round and both change rooms (men and women) features its own eucalyptus steam room. The gym is also located in this area with lots of top of the line cardio equipment (they even have Peleton bikes), TRX and weights and also offers an area for stretching. You will also find a few flavoured waters, tea and coffee station inside the Health Club as well.
Tea and Coffee Station in the Health Club
Water Station at the Health Club
The pools at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler's Health Club
Also, even if you can't check into your room, or if you need to check out (check out time currently is at 11:00am), you can still book access to the Health Club and Pool. They have great change rooms with lockers, so it makes it easy to relax and not need to rush.
If you are someone who does work out, but you don't necessarily want to pack your gym outfit (or you just forgot one), you can sign up for Fairmont's Fit Gear program. When you have the information filled out in your Accor profile (your size for clothing and shoes), they will have a t-shirt, capris for women (shorts for men), a pair of socks and shoes delivered to your room. It's an awesome program and I take advantage of it frequently.
Fairmont's Fit Gear Kit that you will find in your room upon arrival
Yoga:
They also offer included yoga classes in their yoga room, usually classes are twice a day (they used to have a morning stretch class and an afternoon restorative class, however on my last visit this was changed to two morning classes). Check the "daily newsletter" which you can pick up at the concierge desk or you'll have it delivered to your room every morning of your stay.
Village Shuttle/Car Service:
They offer a free village shuttle with four different stops throughout Whistler Village (a foot saver if you wanted to wear a nice pair of heels to dinner). They also have a few Fairmont Whistler BMW's that they can also help get you to the Golf Clubhouse, or to dinner reservations if you do miss the shuttle (based on availability). Shuttle usually runs between 7am and 10pm.
"Whistler Experience Guide":
Again, check the "daily newsletter" for all the daily offerings, however this is where the Whistler Fairmont is a step above most hotels in Whistler. They offer some amazing included activities that are also very family friendly. From a guided Lost Lake Hiking experience, a guided Whistler Museum walk, visiting Brandywine Falls, biking around Green Lake and even a guided walk to Train Wreck. The activities available do change daily, also obviously are based on the time of year and weather permitting.
My version of a "steamy morning" at the Whistler Fairmont - Pool Deck in the Winter Feature "Barrel Saunas"
Winter:
Located within walking distance of the new Blackcomb Gondola on Blackcomb Mountain (part of the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort), Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers a great ski in/out accessibility and an included Ski Valet service with your stay (they usually also provide much needed hot chocolate after a long day skiing the slopes at the tent in the afternoon).
Summer:
Again, being so close to the Blackcomb Gondola, Fairmont Whistler's accessibility to the mountain for sightseeing and hiking is perfect. The "Whistler Experience Guide" also offers guided tours of Whistler Blackcomb (however you do need to purchase your own day pass or have a summer pass, it's not included in the tour).
Golf:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club is located nearby and is a 18-hole Audubon-certified course. It's so beautiful and welcomes all levels to play. The Clubhouse is a great place for a meal and has a full pro shop available as well.
In Conclusion:
I just wanted to end this hotel review by saying that this guide is not sponsored by Fairmont Chateau Whistler in any way. This is just my honest review and opinion of a hotel that I frequently visit personally in Whistler, British Columbia and that I love. It's definitely one of my top two favourite hotels in Whistler to stay at and it feels like a second home to me. Again, I can't say enough about the service, everyone is so friendly and truly wants to make your stay special and unique.
If you are looking to book your next "staycation" in Whistler, I'd love to help you out! As I am a Virtuoso Travel Advisor Member, my clients receive additional benefits when booking through me. These benefits range from upgrades on arrival (subject to availability), daily full breakfast for two (per room, served in the restaurant), a welcome amenity, $100 USD equivalent Food and Beverage credit to be used during your stay, early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability) and complementary Wi-Fi.
Please contact me for more details to book your next vacation or getaway to Whistler or please reach out if you have any further questions about staying at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
If you're looking at what to do or where to eat in Whistler, you can read my Whistler Travel Guide here.
Safe Travels!
Ariane